preparing for an interview

There are times when employers will invite job applicants to interview over a meal — even breakfast. This interview is just as important, perhaps even more than one in a formal business setting. That's because it's more conversational and less formal. If you're not careful, you could let your guard down, make silly mistakes and share too much personal information. So it's important to keep it professional and remember that you're being considered for a job, even though it's not a formal in-office job interview.

When you're invited to interview over a meal or a cup of coffee, take the time to prepare just as carefully as you would for an interview in an office setting.

Here are some tips you can use for an interview at a restaurant.

get ready for the interview

Prepare for the interview just as you would for any other one. If you are very nervous, check out the restaurant ahead of time. This way you will know exactly what’s on the menu, where the restaurant is located, and how classy or casual the restaurant is. Many restaurants also have the menu available online to review.

Going to the restaurant ahead of time will also give you a chance to plot our your route — whether you plan to drive or take transit. You can also figure out where to park if you plan to drive. Doing this will help keep you on time on interview day.

confirm the details

Be sure to confirm the arrangements so you're sure you end up at the right place at the right time. Confirm who you are meeting and get a cell phone number and give yours to the person scheduling, so you can get in touch just in case there's a glitch. Don't forget to find out whether there will be a reservation or if it's just a drop-in visit.

what to wear

What to wear to a job interview in a restaurant depends on the restaurant and how your interviewer(s) will be dressed. If you're interviewing for a job at a formal company and the restaurant is fancy, you'll want to dress in business attire. If the company and the dining are more casual, like a bar, business casual may be in order. Your best bet is to ask the person who invites you for advice on what to wear.

Here are some videos to help you decide what to wear for an interview:

What to Wear to an Interview: Dress Codes, Outfit Ideas, and What to Avoid

Getting ready for a job interview? Deciding what to wear can be stressful, but we're here to make it easier! In this video, we'll guide you through the different dress codes, share outfit ideas for various types of interviews, and highlight common fashion mistakes to avoid. Whether it's a corporate setting, a casual startup, or a creative environment, we've got tips to help you look your best and make a great first impression.

How to Dress For a Job Interview | The Art of Manliness

Got a job interview coming up? Here's some suggestions on what to wear.

bring your supporting materials

Just like you would for a formal office interview, be sure to bring any supplemental materials you may need to show or give to your interviewer. Just because you may be in a casual setting, doesn't mean the same etiquette doesn't apply. This may include bringing a copy of your resume, writing samples, portfolio or any other materials to support your application.

when to arrive

Arrive a few minutes early, so you don't keep the interviewer waiting. Greet the interviewer in the lobby or foyer with a smile and a handshake.

follow up

Just like you would with any other interview, follow up with a thank you note for the interview, reiterating your interest in the job.

Job interviews are nerve racking for everyone. There are many questions to consider, including what to wear to a restaurant interview. The restaurant industry is less buttoned up and conservative than many others, so it can make dressing for the interview confusing. There’s no real business casual standard for restaurants.

Getting dressed is certainly an important part of the process, but it’s only one part of the preparations. You also want to research the restaurant to learn all you can about it and practice likely interview questions. The right outfit, research, practice and preparation combined can ensure you’re a star candidate on the day of your interview.

Here are some more things to keep in mind before your next restaurant job interview.

upscale restaurnt interviews

When preparing for an interview at an upscale place, you want to match the restaurant’s level of polish as much as you can. You don’t need to break out your most formal attire, but items like a black dress, dress shoes, and dress pants would likely be appropriate.

If the place has a dress code for staff or guests, try to conform to it for your interview at a restaurant. Avoid wearing flip flops or other open-toed shoes, baseball caps, shorts, or anything else that might convey the message you aren’t taking the opportunity seriously.

Upscale restaurants usually have websites and social media profiles that are rich sources of information. Google the restaurant’s name and read as many articles that have featured the restaurant as you can. This kind of background can help you ask smart questions, show off your knowledge, and give you a competitive edge.

casual restaurant interviews

A more laid-back restaurant doesn’t mean laid-back interview preparation. If you want to stand out, you’ll still want to learn about the restaurant in advance and ask informed questions.

Your approach to what to wear to an interview at a casual place can be more laid back though. No matter how relaxed the restaurant, avoid wearing your most casual clothing. Wear what you would wear to work a shift there.

If you can, visit the restaurant ahead of time to see how team members and guests are dressed. Aim for an outfit that would fit into the place, but on the nicer end of the spectrum. Keep it clean, comfortable, and professional.

office setting, front of the house, back of the house

Different kinds of restaurant jobs call for different interview preparations. The types of questions vary, and how you want to dress will differ as well. Here’s what you need to know about the different settings and how they affect interview preparation.

the office setting

Though servers and cooks are the first roles that spring to mind when thinking about restaurant jobs, there are many other positions in the business. Plenty of people work not in the dining room or kitchen but in the restaurant’s office. Bookkeepers, communications people, HR professionals, and others work in this space.

For these jobs, keep it business casual. Button-down tops, black slacks, or other dress slacks are likely to impress hiring managers. Some people believe it’s better to be overdressed than to be underdressed for job interviews. It doesn’t hurt to dress to impress—within reason. If you choose to wear a suit, be aware you will likely be the only one.

Once your wardrobe is sorted, practice answering these common interview questions for restaurant office job interviews:

Can you tell me about your previous office work experience and how it prepares you for this role?

What were your favorite duties in your last role?

How do you keep on track and organized at work?

front of the house

People interviewing for front-of-house roles know they will be representing the restaurant and iterating with guests. Aspiring hosts, servers, and bartenders should dress like they would for a shift at the restaurant where they are interviewing.

Don’t be afraid to show your sense of style and personality through your clothes, but keep it conservative. If there’s a uniform, do your best to recreate it with what you already own. Most restaurant server uniforms are simple combinations of pants and button-down shirts in neutral colors. Make sure you dress comfortably, including wearing shoes fit for work.

back of the house

When interviewing for a chef or line cook position, you can’t wear your trusty chef whites. Instead, you dress more like a front-of-house team member. Because cooks spend so much time behind the scenes in a uniform, their closets may offer fewer options than FOH folks. Keep it simple. A basic black or white button-down shirt with khakis or jeans in good condition will serve you well.

Once your clothing is in order, try rehearsing a few typical interview questions for chefs and cooks:

What dishes showcase your skills?

How do you keep your station neat and well-stocked even when it’s busy?

Can you tell me the difference between broiling and braising?

Getting ready for a restaurant job interview can be stressful, but keep these steps in mind:

Research the restaurant and prepare smart questions

Choose what to wear carefully and make sure your clothes are clean and ready

Practice answering some common interview questions

With a little preparation you can walk into your interview filled with confidence and poised to land a great new job.

in conclusion

There are a lot of jobs available in the restaurant industry. But there’s one thing between you and the role you want: the interview. It shows your employer that you’re a good fit for the role—and tells you if the restaurant is a good fit for you.

A restaurant interview focuses heavily on assessing your customer service skills, ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, teamwork ethic, and enthusiasm for the industry, with questions often centered around past experiences handling difficult customers, managing busy periods, and demonstrating your understanding of excellent service standards; highlighting your positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn is key to making a good impression, while also showing genuine interest in the specific restaurant by researching their menu and culture beforehand.

Going into your restaurant job interview, think critically about what skills are make or break for the job you're applying for, and be prepared to speak to how you can bring those skills to the role. This shows that you understand, as a basic level, what you're applying for and why you're a good fit.

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